One of the first questions people ask when they realize they may need hearing aids is also one of the most reasonable: what is this going to cost me, and does my insurance help?
The answer depends on the type of insurance you have, and it has changed substantially in recent years — mostly for the better.
Private Insurance Coverage
Coverage through employer-sponsored or individual health insurance varies widely. Some plans include a hearing benefit that covers a portion of hearing aid costs every one to three years. Others provide coverage for the hearing evaluation but not the devices themselves. A growing number of large insurers now include hearing as part of their broader wellness benefits.
The only way to know what your plan includes is to call member services and ask specifically about hearing aid benefits, coverage caps, and whether you need a referral to see an audiologist. The Revolution Hearing team can also help verify your benefits before your appointment.
Medicare Advantage Coverage
This is where coverage has expanded the most. Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing evaluations at all. Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurers and approved by Medicare, are a different story. The vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans now include some form of hearing benefit.
That benefit can range from a few hundred dollars toward a device to full coverage for certain hearing aid models. Some plans cover annual evaluations at no cost to you. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 90 percent of Medicare Advantage enrollees have access to some hearing coverage.
Medicaid
Medicaid coverage for hearing aids varies by state. Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and New York all have Medicaid programs with some level of hearing benefit for eligible adults, though the scope differs. If you are on Medicaid and have not asked about hearing coverage, it is worth a direct conversation.
What to Do Before Your Appointment
Write down the name of your insurance plan and call the member services number on the back of your card. Ask: Does my plan include a hearing benefit? What is the benefit amount? Does it apply to both the evaluation and the devices? Do I need a referral?
Then call Revolution Hearing. We work with Medicare Advantage and many major insurance plans across Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, and New York. Our team will look up your coverage so you can walk into your appointment knowing what to expect.
Schedule a hearing evaluation at a Revolution Hearing clinic near you. We will help you understand your coverage options before you arrive.
